The Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO) has announced the members of its two new advisory councils – the Consumer Advisory Council (CAC) and Industry Advisory Council (IAC). Part of a contentious review and reorganization of the provincial regulator, the bodies were mandated following “Minister’s Orders” in August 2023.
A comprehensive recruitment and selection process was subsequently conducted to populate the inaugural councils, which will play a crucial role in advising TICO’s Board of Directors and management on matters related to consumer protection, challenges and opportunities affecting Ontario’s travel industry, and overall emerging trends.
Members are:
CAC
- Angela Dennis – Better Business Bureau Serving Central Ontario Inc. – CAC Chair
- Ron Noble – Catholic Health Association of Ontario – CAC Vice-Chair
- Aly Alibhai – Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (Government of Ontario)
- Andrew Gaudes – Goodman School of Business, Brock University
- George Nikolov – Governance Advisor/Consultant
- Irene Kairys – Humber College
- Judy Pfeifer – Financial Services Regulatory Authority
- Kashmera Self – Interac Corp.
- Liz Maier – The Salvation Army
- Marc Spector – Home Construction Regulatory Authority
- Scott Roseblade – Goway Travel Limited
- Yashy Murphy – Parenting To Go
IAC
- Robert Townshend – Total Advantage Travel and Tours – IAC Chair
- Charles Zhao – CPTrip Service Inc.
- Danuela Freel – Four Point Travel
- Gregory Luciani – TravelOnly Inc.
- Jay Katzeff – Cottage Vacations
- Jean Hébert – Canadian Association of Tour Operators
- Jennifer DiNardo – Bella Vista Travel
- Joanne Dhue – Sunwing Vacations Inc.
- Julie Boucher – Tully Luxury Travel Inc.
- Karen Nasmith – Skican Ltd.
- Martin Taller – Algonquin College
- Robert Mackie – Expedia Cruises
- Scott Selig – Amex Bank of Canada
- Vince Accardi – Ontario Motor Coach Association
- Wendy Paradis – Association of Canadian Travel Agencies and Travel Advisors
“The individuals appointed across these two councils reflect diverse areas of leadership, expertise, broad consumer perspectives and industry knowledge,” said TICO President and CEO Richard Smart. “Their insights and recommendations will be invaluable in informing the delivery of TICO’s consumer protection mandate to benefit both consumers and the travel industry as a whole.”
The inaugural meetings of the CAC and IAC will take place in May. For more information about the CAC and IAC, visit HERE.